The Use of Space Technology for Earth Climate Actions: Ethical and Legal Issues
- Paper number
GLOC-2023,T,IP,x75313
- Author
Mr. Kingsley ONU, Nigeria
- Coauthor
Mr. Oluwatosin Awotoye, African Regional Center for Space Science and Technology Education in English (ARCSSTE-E), Nigeria
- Year
2023
- Abstract
Recent advancements in space science have manifested in the use of space technologies/applications such as emergent Satellite Weather Modification Systems (SWMS), earth observation technologies, and satellites which can be deployed to assist nations to fulfill their obligations under the Paris Agreement, 2015 and SDG-13. This paper uses a desk-based research approach to examine the ethical and legal issues with the deployment of space technologies for earth’s climate action. The paper finds that there exist ethical and legal issues with the use of space technologies for earth climate actions. The first issue bothers the accessibility, acceptability, and adaptability of these space technologies for climate actions by various nations of the world, especially developing countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America. States have obligations under several international human rights to respect, fulfil and protect the right and ultimately attain SDG 13; and the use of space technologies can assist states in this regard. However, States do not enjoy equal access to space and technologically support for climate actions. The second issue is on the human rights implications of the use of space technologies for climate actions. The space satellites deployed for climate actions such as water mapping and surveillance may be misused to intrude into the personal lives of persons and states. The third issue is on liability for damage(s) occasioned by the use of these space technologies for climate actions. Basically, under the Liability Convention, 1972 the liability for damages caused by a space object is imposed on the launching State, regardless of whether it was launched privately or not. The issue is: will a state that is providing mapping and surveillance information to other states be solely liable for damage that is occasioned by its satellite? Finally, the paper finds that not all parties to the Paris Agreement are parties to the Outer Space Treaty. There may arise a conflict of interests in the process of deploying space technologies for earth climate actions. This paper concludes by stating that the use of space technology for climate action is a good development that if properly implemented will assist states to achieve their SDG 13 goal. There is before the need for technological assistance to developing countries to enable them to meet their Paris Agreement and SDG 13 obligations. Extant space laws need to be reviewed to address the human rights and liability concerns raised above.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
(absent)